Italy

Milan

Chuck George 

 is a city where food and fashion don't just co-exist, they literally sustain each other. Italians embrace 

 and dining with equal passion, making the northern Italian city a top destination for lovers of either—or both. Go to any iconic Milanese eateries, and you’ll see some of the city’s creatives mingle over a glass of wine and a plate of Spaghetti limone e peperoncino. Milan is the crystallisation of how food and fashion inspire tastes, from

Chef and entrepreneur Chuck George moved to the city in 2021, after establishing his career in New York. In NYC, he crafted his signature style of reimagining US classics with an Asian twist, inspired by his own Filipino heritage. In Milan, he opened his first restaurant, a relaxed fine-casual concept called 

.

"I settled here during the height of Covid, drawn by a few key aspects of the city," he tells Trippin. "It’s a much slower pace than New York which was a welcome change and it’s small. Milan’s charm is in its size, yet it has the conveniences of a larger metropolitan. It’s easy to bike everywhere and has a strong sense of community, particularly within your chosen industry, making it an ideal place to connect and collaborate."

Whether your discussing the latest collections, or simply sipping some home-grown natural wine, Milan has it all. Below Chuck shares his guide to the must-go spots of his adopted home. 

A cozy corner spot with a great selection of natural wines by its proprietor, Emanuele. The space is intimate enough to go for a first date but casual enough to kick back and have a few glasses with friends. I drop in occasionally when looking for a particular bottle from the winemakers on offer.

I started coming every Sunday when I moved into the neighbourhood. Unlike many of the new bars cropping up, this one is special. What it lacks in pretentiousness, it makes up for with its welcoming team. I always have a Guinness on draft and don’t snooze on the table snacks.

Founded by Chef Yoji Tokuyoshi, Bentoteca is immensely creative Japanese kitchen utilising Italian ingredients that is followed up equally by its selection of wines. I like to bring friends from out of town here because It’s the one thing that should not be missed. If it’s your first time, go for the Omakase.

Born in the 1930’s, this Milanese patisserie and cafe exemplifies a historic period. Traditional, but elegant, the space hosts a large outdoor seating area to sip a cocktail, smoke cigarettes and people watch. Before I moved out of the neighbourhood, I spent my mornings on the sidewalk sipping coffee and chatting with friends.

A Roman kitchen housed in an unstuffy, classically adorned space. It’s my weekly go-to since I am always craving carbonara or cacio pepe with a small beer. Always full of locals which adds to its charm. Sit outside in the warmer months, but get there early.

A historically important restaurant in Milan for its cuisine and family-run atmosphere that was recently purchased and reopened by Italian fashion brand Loro Piana. In creative circles, it is also the place to be and be seen. Go for the legacy, stay for the Spaghetti limone e peproncino. Lovely space with limited seating and thankfully, no reservations.

A neighbourhood gem, Terroir has a well-curated selection of products from small Italian producers by its esteemed proprietor Gabry. My recommendation is to go in the evening, have a glass of wine and some meats and cheeses that you may select from the refrigerated shelves and they’ll prepare for you. Probably my favourite place to head for some me time and a glass or just to run into friends.

Located on a tree-lined street Porta Venezia, Union Fade has a nice selection of Americana from denim and work jackets to boots and accessories. Some of the best pieces are hanging up high so be sure to look up for some treasures.

Led by a trio of creatives that hosts a number of brand activations, dinners and occasional workshops. Tune into their IG for community happenings @spaziofonte.

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